Voices For Life

Voices for Life is an e-publication dedicated to informing and educating the public on pro-life and pro-family issues. We cover issues from conception until natural death, as well as all family life issues.

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Sunday, December 27, 2015

HHS Inspector General to Investigate Fetal Tissue Research

By: Morgan ChalfantFree Beacon

The Department of Health and Human Services’ inspector general is launching an investigation into the federal government’s oversight of fetal tissue research following a series of undercover videos that appeared to show Planned Parenthood officials discussing the sale of fetal parts.

The Hill reported that the investigation was spurred by Sen. Rand Paul (R., Ky.), a presidential candidate, and 34 other Republican senators who requested the inspector general launch an investigation.

On Tuesday, Paul published a letter dated Dec. 4 from Daniel Levinson, the HHS inspector general, disclosing the investigation.

“We will interview HHS and National Institutes of Health (NIH) officials, as the majority of HHS funding for human fetal tissue research is awarded through NIH. This approach will also focus on gathering relevant documentation related to policies and procedures for monitoring fetal tissue research activities,” Levinson outlined in the letter.

“Our goal is to obtain information related to fetal tissue research grants, NIH’s monitoring procedures over third-party certifications and those related to the Department’s internal fetal tissue research, and any known violations of federal requirements.”